Sun 6 Nov 2011 In: New Zealand Daily News View at Wayback View at NDHA
The New Zealand AIDS Foundation and National Collective of People Living with HIV have joined forces for World AIDS Day 2011 and are calling for volunteers to collect donations for their annual street appeal. The appeal will be held on Friday 25 November, which is the Friday before World AIDS Day on 1 December. "This is the first big opportunity we've had to stand together in public to raise awareness and much needed funds," says NZAF Executive Director Shaun Robinson. Organisers say the idea of a lonely volunteer shaking a bucket in the rain could not be further from the experience of past collections. "The excitement around here has been building steadily," Robinson says. "This is my first year collecting and I'm really looking forward to it. I'm amazed at how much our staff and regular volunteers are buzzing about this day," he says. "The last three years have had perfect weather - dry, but not too hot - and everyone says that the public response is exceptionally positive. People stop to share a story and have a laugh, and we have a very helpful, fun and enthusiastic bunch of collectors too." However the NZAF says the camaraderie and enjoyment on the day belie a serious need. It points out that earlier this year figures from the AIDS Epidemiology Group at the University of Otago showed a record number of 95 new HIV diagnoses among New Zealand's gay and bisexual men. The previous peak for gay and bisexual men was 93 in 2008. The street collection is the cornerstone of a variety of World AIDS Day events to be held around New Zealand and collections will take place in the streets and malls of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Timaru and Invercargill. "If you see us out, please stop, say hi and drop a few coins in the bucket if you can," Robinson says. Proceeds from the World AIDS Day appeal will be shared 50/50 between the Wellness Fund and the NZAF’s Health Services. The National Collective has managed the Wellness Fund since June 2011. Volunteers will receive advice and support, lunch and refreshments, t‐shirts and transport to and from collection areas. Volunteers are warmly welcomed to sign up at www.nzaf.org.nz/volunteer or to call Akira Le Fevre in Christchurch on 03 379 1953, Don Barclay in Wellington on 04 381 6640 or Gavin Ring in Auckland on 09 300 6955.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 6th November 2011 - 1:57pm